Big Mac Burger Bowl

A deconstructed burger bowl layered with seasoned beef, crispy toasted bread cubes, shredded lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and a creamy special sauce for a fun, Big Mac–inspired meal.

This recipe transforms all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a fun and easy-to-eat bowl. Seasoned ground beef is cooked until perfectly browned, then layered over a bed of shredded lettuce with crispy toasted bread cubes, shredded cheese, diced pickles, onions, and an optional burst of freshness from tomatoes. A homemade special sauce, tangy and creamy with just the right hint of sweetness, is drizzled over the top to tie everything together. Finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a true burger feel, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a playful twist on a favorite fast-food classic.

Servings

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
2–3 slices sandwich bread (white or sesame — something soft, like classic hamburger buns)
2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce (or romaine)
½ cup shredded cheddar or American cheese
½ cup diced dill pickles
½ small white onion, finely diced
1 medium tomato, diced (optional)
Sesame seeds, optional for topping

Special Sauce
Mix together:
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon sweet relish (or finely minced pickles + sugar)
½ teaspoon white vinegar
½ teaspoon onion powder
Pinch of paprika
(Adjust seasoning if you want it sweeter, tangier, or creamier.)

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Cook the beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, breaking into small crumbles, until browned and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary.

Toast the bread: While the beef cooks, lightly toast the bread slices. Cut into bite-sized cubes (like mini croutons). Optionally, toss them in a little melted butter or spray oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra Big Mac flavor.

Assemble the bowls:

Layer shredded lettuce on the bottom.
Scatter some toasted bread cubes across the lettuce.
Spoon the cooked beef over the top.
Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Add diced pickles and onions.
(Optional) Add diced tomatoes for a fresh bite.
Drizzle generously with Special Sauce.
Sprinkle sesame seeds over everything if desired.

Serve: Best served immediately while the bread is still a little crispy and the beef is warm.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Cook, breaking into small crumbles, until browned and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary.

While the beef cooks, lightly toast the bread slices. Cut into bite-sized cubes (like mini croutons). Optionally, toss them in a little melted butter or spray oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra Big Mac flavor.